After the spiritual root testing was complete, there were some tests of talent and comprehension.

  However, the subsequent tests no longer concerned Xia Li and Lin Ye, as they'd gained direct Inner Sect entry in the first round.

  This was tantamount to reaching the sky in a single step.

  Under a sect steward's guidance, Xia Li and Lin Ye were separately led to territories allocated by the sect.

  As Inner Sect disciples, they could directly own a sizable territory within the Lingxu Realm. Lingxu Cave Heaven had carved out an entire realm—land was the last thing they lacked.

  Beneath Lingxu Cave Heaven's seemingly generous approach also lay the ulterior motive of having disciples develop the wilderness.

  Only through continuous transformation by generation after generation could the Lingxu Realm be maintained and expanded.

  Lingxu Realm, Eastern District.

  High in the sky, an enormous leaf floated in the air. The sect steward and Xia Li stood on the leaf as the steward introduced the territories Xia Li could choose from.

  "You may select territory suited to your preferences or spiritual root attributes. You may also renovate it yourself. As long as you don't perish or defect from the sect, the sect won't interfere with your territorial modifications."

  "When you wish to change territories, the sect will also buy back based on development level."

  The steward explained the territory system to Xia Li. From up high, one could directly see other Inner Sect disciples' territories.

  There were snow mountains, deep valleys, volcanoes, and great lakes—regions of different landscapes. These different terrains had clear boundaries, forming a marvelous patchwork embedded in the land.

  "Of course, you may also spend spirit stones or contribution points to use already-developed unclaimed territories."

  "How many spirit stones for a developed territory?"

  "Ranging from several thousand to several hundred thousand spirit stones, depending on development level."

  "Are there any territories centered around a lake, preferably with existing buildings, priced around thirty thousand spirit stones?"

  Xia Li's territorial needs were simple—pleasant scenery would suffice. And personally, Xia Li quite liked lakeside properties.

  "There are three. Let me take you to see them."

  "Thanks."

  Afterward, the steward piloted the giant leaf to show Xia Li three developed territories. Xia Li ultimately chose the second one.

  The house was lakeside, with flowers planted beside it—probably a former female disciple's residence.

  The cost wasn't high—only fifteen thousand spirit stones. After all, this territory basically only had landscaping, with few cultivation-related facilities.

  After selecting the territory and paying the spirit stones, the steward completed the registration and handed Xia Li a token.

  "This token is your key for entering and exiting the sect and territory. If lost, you may get a replacement at the Miscellaneous Affairs Office."

  "Also, inside this is your initiation gift. If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave."

  The steward finally handed Xia Li a storage bag. Having completed his duties, he left directly. Xia Li began admiring his territory.

  Unexpectedly, before owning property on Earth, he'd first bought a house in this world—and got a piece of land thrown in.

  Fifteen thousand spirit stones converted to Earth's standard spirit stone units would be about twelve thousand—enough for a decent large apartment in Upper City.

  But don't expect the spiritual energy concentration to be very high.

  Yet his territory here, even without much development, had spiritual energy concentration approaching one-tenth—nearly matching the Autumn Mountain Secret Realm he'd visited before.

  As expected of a major power.

  As for why he didn't get free territory and develop from scratch...

  Xia Li didn't have the leisure to develop barren land from zero. Even with cultivation abilities, it would take several months to develop the territory.

  If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  The lakeside had a house. The house even came with a Spirit Gathering Array. The territory's previous owner seemed to be someone who studied fragrances—floral scents filled the air, refreshing the spirit.

  With such conditions for only fifteen thousand spirit stones, why would he toil to build his own?

  "Next... let's see what this initiation gift is like."

  Xia Li opened the storage bag. Inside were three thousand spirit stones and various pills, one set of clothes, a book recording sect rules, and a specially-made communication jade slip—presumably for sect disciples' communications.

  Xia Li immediately took out the sect rules to read. He wasn't one to cause trouble; memorizing sect rules could avoid many problems.

  "Sect robes aren't required for informal occasions—that's a nice rule..."

  "But these sect robes are themselves Dharma robes—impervious to water and fire while nourishing the body. Not wearing them would be a waste!"

  Xia Li directly changed into Lingxu Cave Heaven's sect robes—a blue-green long robe with a quite stylish design. Wearing it gave him an air of immortal elegance.

  A Dharma robe like this would probably cost over a thousand spirit stones if purchased on Earth.

  Having just joined the sect, Xia Li's first impression was quite good—very refreshing.

  "Hm? The communication jade slip has activity already?"

  Xia Li noticed the sect's communication jade slip was showing activity. He picked it up and immediately read it.

  "New disciple Xia Li, please prepare for the sect competition in one month. This is the fastest way to improve your treatment."

  "As a newly admitted disciple, the higher your ranking in your first competition, the more abundant your rewards."

  Just two sentences—notifying him to prepare for the sect competition in one month. It gave Xia Li the feeling of a placement test after school started.

  It made Xia Li feel like he'd returned to his university days.

  Unfortunately, he'd been frozen before even graduating from university...

  "Sect competition, huh... perhaps I could try putting in some effort."

  "No, wait—forget it. There will definitely be many sect higher-ups observing during the competition. I won't be able to perform freely."

  Setting everything else aside, just the various modifications inside his body couldn't be exposed. Sect higher-ups' cultivation couldn't be low—seeing through his depths would be effortless.

  Besides, the sect competition wasn't mandatory—it was voluntary registration.

  With this thought, Xia Li directly gave up on participating in the sect competition. He continued studying his initiation benefits—it was all written in the sect rules.

  This world had one good aspect: sects generally provided substantial support to newly admitted disciples, because sects were truly wealthy.

  Take Earth's Hidden Wing organization—after joining, his only benefit had been a fairly good Heaven Chip. Other benefits were just personal favors Ke Xiao sold him.

  Learn from Lingxu Cave Heaven—giving three thousand spirit stones just for joining!

  "I can enter the Scripture Pavilion to select one technique and three arts..."

  "Or one opportunity to enter the Strange Grounds..."

  Xia Li read about the new disciple benefits introduced in the sect rules and fell into contemplation.

  Because the sect rules were not only rules but also an introduction guide to various sect matters. The Strange Grounds were also a place to comprehend techniques and arts.

  The difference from the Scripture Pavilion was that the techniques and arts contained in the Strange Grounds required self-comprehension. Insufficient comprehension meant wasting the trip.

  But the techniques and arts contained in the Strange Grounds were Lingxu Cave Heaven's true heritage—worlds apart from those recorded in the Scripture Pavilion.